nickname of “the laughing philosopher”¹. He is said to be unselfish even in his dying days. It has been written that he put-off death by inhaling the scent of fresh bread so that his sister could worship at the 3-day festival of Thesmophoria before his funeral³. Democritus has commented on many different subjects about the way men should act, with their conscience, and what should be appreciated. Along with his teacher/associate, Leucippus, Democritus was a founder of the atom theory, stating that everything is made up of tiny invisible things that are never deleted, just changed and moved.
Insight and Influence
Democritus’ education was gradually earned from many different places and people. For example while Democritus' father entertained King Xerxes,
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Democritus learned of Astrology and theology from the men of Xerxes' court. When he inherited the wealth his father left him, he spent most of it traveling abroad in search of knowledge. From geometry taught by the priests of Egypt to Persia to visit the Chaldeans(astronomical philosophers) Democritus became well-traveled and knowledgeable on many subjects. Of course his close mentor in work was Leucippus, under whom he studied many hours, depicting the truth behind the systems and theories on atoms they had formed.³
Major Contributions
Democritus’ main studies consisted of atoms. He is considered to be associated with the first exposition of atomic theory of matter. Unlike earlier ionic philosophers, Democritus believed that atoms are indivisible, all are exactly alike, and that all matter is made up of atoms. He claimed atoms to be eternal with their motion and the space in which they move, as well as the universe being composed of atoms and empty space. All that exists is modeled by atoms and nothing can be created or destroyed without. Atoms cannot be erased or deleted from existence, merely changed. Atoms are able to generate anything any size or composite. Democritus’ studies were extensive on this subject and many more. However, his original works and writings remain as fragments.[¹][³]
Affect and Effect
Though facts of Democritus come second-hand from other’s writings and stories, it is said that Democritus was born in Abdera, Spain, about 460 BCE². Most of these writings that Democritus managed to live through are by Aristotle. Most of Democritus’ papers were destroyed along with the knowledge of his detailed family life. It is said that he traveled widely with the inheritance of his late father Hegesistratus, thus leaving the possibilities of creating a family slim. There is mention of his sister during the final months of his life being present in writings by Hippocrates. Most reports of his work are either in association with Leucippus or refrain to just Democritus. Many have referred to him being the "Aristotle of the fifth pre-Christian century" due to his great contributions to science and knowledge of perception, theology and psychology. It is difficult to determine what work he has done without any hard evidence.³
The Things He Left Behind
Democritus’ studies on the atom created the first view of the atom and its inability to be deleted. He took the work of Leucippus and systemized it in a way no one had seen before. Through Democritus’ eyes, the world began to see what was really occurring around them. Later attempts at the atomic bomb would have been altered if Democritus had not conquered these first basic rules of the atom. Such physicists as Niels Bohr and J. Robert Oppenheimer would have different work and outcomes without the essential basic notions of the atom. So many things have been affected simply by Democritus’ systemized contribution to atomic theory so long ago.
Democritus
Democritus, a natural philosopher who rivaled with Aristotle, became known for his philosophies on cheerfulness and was given a
Table of Contents
Insight and Influence
Democritus’ education was gradually earned from many different places and people. For example while Democritus' father entertained King Xerxes,
Major Contributions
Democritus’ main studies consisted of atoms. He is considered to be associated with the first exposition of atomic theory of matter. Unlike earlier ionic philosophers, Democritus believed that atoms are indivisible, all are exactly alike, and that all matter is made up of atoms. He claimed atoms to be eternal with their motion and the space in which they move, as well as the universe being composed of atoms and empty space. All that exists is modeled by atoms and nothing can be created or destroyed without. Atoms cannot be erased or deleted from existence, merely changed. Atoms are able to generate anything any size or composite. Democritus’ studies were extensive on this subject and many more. However, his original works and writings remain as fragments.[¹][³]
Affect and Effect
Though facts of Democritus come second-hand from other’s writings and stories, it is said that Democritus was born in Abdera, Spain, about 460 BCE². Most of these writings that Democritus managed to live through are by Aristotle. Most of Democritus’ papers were destroyed along with the knowledge of his detailed family life. It is said that he traveled widely with the inheritance of his late father Hegesistratus, thus leaving the possibilities of creating a family slim. There is mention of his sister during the final months of his life being present in writings by Hippocrates. Most reports of his work are either in association with Leucippus or refrain to just Democritus. Many have referred to him being the "Aristotle of the fifth pre-Christian century" due to his great contributions to science and knowledge of perception, theology and psychology. It is difficult to determine what work he has done without any hard evidence.³
The Things He Left Behind
Democritus’ studies on the atom created the first view of the atom and its inability to be deleted. He took the work of Leucippus and systemized it in a way no one had seen before. Through Democritus’ eyes, the world began to see what was really occurring around them. Later attempts at the atomic bomb would have been altered if Democritus had not conquered these first basic rules of the atom. Such physicists as Niels Bohr and J. Robert Oppenheimer would have different work and outcomes without the essential basic notions of the atom. So many things have been affected simply by Democritus’ systemized contribution to atomic theory so long ago.
References
http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/democritus/